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PROS

Control 'cheats' provide much-needed help for the otherwise fiddly controls.

CONS

Non-contiguous level design; needlessly breaks up areas.

Low frame rate; visually jarring.

Slide control can't be toggled like other 'cheats'.

Removal of level interactions and visual effects.

No 'original' difficulty option.

VERDICT

MEGA MAN X isn't quite the game you remember, even if it follows the same beats; when a modern device can't replicate an 18 year old game it's time to go back to the drawing board.

Full Review

App Store Info

It seems that Capcom isn't able to catch a break when it comes to the reviewers assigned to their Mega Man franchise titles on the App Store - while Mega Man 2 is Dave's favorite from the series (at least on its original console), Mega Man X was (and still is) my personal favorite. With this in mind the iOS release of the title was more than welcome and still a blast to play through, but like so many of the developers releases on the App Store it suffers for its disregard of the platform and its lack of finesse.

Initially the iOS version comes off as visually resplendent, borrowing from the PSP remake of the game, however the illusion is quickly broken by the less than smooth frame rate (in fairness it does remain consistent, but consistently low) and missing visual effects that rounded out the game's appearance in the 18-year-old original. An option to revert from full-screen to a zoomed-out perspective can help with the controls obscuring the screen in boss battles, but no option to switch back to the 16-bit graphics is currently available and players also have to manually flip the screen within the options (an altogether antiquated requirement these days).

Oddly the modern visuals are paired with the classic SNES soundtrack, but if you're willing to absorb the sting of another purchase, you can play with a preloaded set of modern tracks. This isn't the first of odd purchases either and despite being available through the normal course of play, the player can put down cash to side-step the collection of weapons from bosses; heart and sub-tanks; as well as item upgrades for Mega Man himself.

This is extremely odd considering the lenient difficulty of the game itself, with many concessions being made for the iOS platform and its less than perfect control system, this on top of the game already being relatively easy by the series' standards. At least some of these concessions make sense (auto-fire bullets; auto-charge weapons) and can be toggled as required for those who want more finesse or challenge. This still doesn't address the toned down difficulty of the enemies themselves or the removal of level-changing consequences (such as defeating Chill Penguin and gaining access to hidden items on Flame Mammoth's stage).

Additional features in the form of a score attack mode and achievements add some lasting value, but given the loose controls and generously forgiving difficulty, their value is limited.

One shouldn't be too snobbish about something like this though - ultimately this IS Mega Man X on iOS devices and while it's not on par with its ancient forebear, it still features much of what made the game entertaining. Nostalgic fans may not be overwhelmed by this release, but it's still Mega Man and that may be good enough to warrant a playthrough.

Description

The super masterpiece of the action game "MEGA MAN X” now powered up!
With variety of weapons and reinforcing parts, break Sigma’s dark ambition down!!

2.【2 Display Modes!!】
In addition to “REGULAR MODE” which displays whole screen of the game, “FULL MODE,” which displays full iPhone display, is available!

3.【3 Levels of Difficulty!】
In “STORY MODE”, there are 3 choices (“EASY”, “NORMAL” and “HARD”) for the level of difficulty!
Choose “EASY”, so that some stepping stones will appear to prevent prayers falling!
If you are confident enough, try “HARD”!!

4.【Ranking Mode! (Function supporting Game Center)】
“RANKING MODE” to compete ranking with other users will be available!
Compete with score in “SCORE ATTACK”, and with time trial clearing stage in “TIME RACE”, for number of cleared stages in “ENDLESS”.
Brush up your skills, and aim the top ranking!!

5.【80 Challenges!! (Function supporting Game Center)】
20 challenges in the Opening Stage of “STORY MODE” (*1)!!
There are 60 in following stages, so there are 80 challenges altogether!
※(*1) does not supports Game Center.

6.【Support Items for Your Advantages to Play the Game on!!】
When you cannot find reinforcing parts while you are playing the game, or when you want to power up immediately, get the items from “CUSTOMIZE” screen!
“FULL ARMOUR”, “FULL WEAPON” etc. are available for you to carry on playing with advantages!
Try discounted “Perfect Set” to be strongest!
*Items are available as in-app purchase.
*To purchase the items 3G or Wi-Fi environment is necessary.

Quick Change・・・Try touching the top of the game screen! And scroll your finger right and left then let it go; you can change the weapon quick and easy!
Dismounting Ride Armor・・・Tap the icon on the right top